In a bid to promote silk and handicraft products in the state, Jharkhand Silk Textile and Handicraft Development Corporation, popularly known as Jharcraft, launched its third emporium in the state capital on Wednesday.

Inaugurating the emporium, Development Commissioner, DK Tiwary praised this initiative of Jharcraft.  “It will provide jobs to a number of artisans living in the remotest areas of the state and help boost their economy. This will also provide a bigger marketing platform to the handcrafted products of artisans of the state,” he said.

Tiwary walked through various sections of the store, purchasing a few items for himself. He said that all the products are beautifully made and of very good in quality. “The prices are very reasonable and the store can cater to a wide section of the society,” he said.

The new emporium holds a huge variety of item right from apparels for men and women, furniture and home furnishing items to home décor items. Apart from Tussar Silk products which are the specialty of the state, the store is also offering a wide range of home décor items based on Dokra art form and bamboo products.

While talking to the Pioneer, Managing Director (MD) of Jharcraft, Dipankar Panda said, “This is third emporium in the State capital. The other two emporiums are doing a good business. Jharcraft was established in 2006 with the objective of boosting silk production and supporting sericulturists, weavers and artisans. The organization implemented government-funded schemes to promote tasar, handloom and handicrafts in the state.” 

“Jharcraft’s first emporium was launched in September 2007 at MG Road in Ranchi. There has been no looking back since. Silk production has jumped to 1,025 metric tonnes (MT) in 2012-13 from 90 MT in 2006. We are expecting the silk production to rise to 2600 MT this year,” he added.

Panda said that around 25,000 artisans are working with the corporation, under 25 designers.

The corporation is running its outlets both in Jharkhand as well as at national level. “In Jharkhand the outlets are in Dhanbad and Hazaribag and two more are coming up in Jamshedpur and Bokaro. This apart, Jharcraft has outlets in Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Pune, Mumbai and Bengaluru,” he said.

The store is offering a 15% inaugural discount for one week on various items including Tussar silk sarees, dupatta, salwar suit, shirts, kurtas among apparels and also on home furnishing items like blankets, pillows and other home décor items.